Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Naadam Begins 7-11-12

Special Mongolian color guard

This is a special edition blog of our favorite pictures from the opening ceremonies of Naadam, archery and wrestling. Mongolia fought for its independence from China in 1921. The country celebrates through a three day sports festival including archery, wrestling, and horse racing. The Mongolians have added a game of skill involving sheep ankle bones.

Police guarding the guards who are guarding the flags

The opening cermonies begin by a mounted color guard bringing in the nine great white banners representing the unity of the Mongolian people.

Flag bearers and color guard entering the stadium

Color guard marching to flags

Flags are stationed for Naadam

People dress themselves and their children in tradtional clothes to celebrate. There are a number of cultural programs of dance and music as well entertainment.

More pageantry

Dressed up for Naadam

Dressed up in finery

Looks like a prince

Meeting the Brass

Dress up day for veterans

Women too

Mongolian Olympic team

Famous Mongolian actor

Archer with camera

Combination of fashion and skill

Waiting his turn

A past champion

Friends meet

Men's archery and what they are aiming at

The target

Red spot is the target - judge demonstrates how far off the shot was.

Sheep ankle bone contest

Colorful participants

Wrestling judges

Wrestlers doing an eagle dance in front of flags - it is a victory dance and a prayer for strength

This little boy took down his father and then enacted an eagle victory dance and head bump on a flag pole - The showman, at the urging of photographers, repeated the rituals for their benefit.

About Me

Dr. Val Farmer, Psychologist, has 36 years of professional experience to his writing and counseling career. He used a concise, researched writing style to meet his reader's needs.
As a newspaper columnist since 1984, Farmer has shared concise, ever-wise, down-to-earth information which has enriched the lives of countless readers.
Dr. Farmer has become a major voice in the area of rural psychology. You can find his archived writings at www.valfarmer.com.